Sunday, November 26, 2017

Thanks again for returning for another edition of our "Cool Projects" series. In #12 we have a couple creator owned comics that we think you'll enjoy as well as a crowd funding campaign for a movie that NEEDS to be made (in our opinion)! As always, enjoy and share!

Comic creator Todd Rayner sent us a review copy of his creator owned series, 'Icepick'. This book focuses on a costumed vigilante called 'Icepick'. 'Icepick' has what seems to be a mystical power to harness energy as a weapon, and a relentless ferocity thats one part Spawn and one part The Punisher. We dont get much of the characters back story in this first issue, but there is a connection between the vigilante and a scientist who's targeted by a mafia-like gang.

As I mentioned, Rayner doesn't touch on the back back story much, but the comic is very well scripted (I promise that comment makes sense. Read it, you'll understand), and written to the point that I have a confidence in Rayner and his intent to fill the voids in future issues. The solid writing combined with the great art reminiscent of Miller's Dark Knight with a bit of influence from Dave Gibbons' work on the Watchmen. Mr. Rayner, compliments his writing by creating very dark and gritty metropolitan landscapes, which as a fan of characters like Batman and Spawn, I really dig. This books definitely has me intrigued, and I'll be on the lookout for book 2. You can get a copy of 'Icepick #1' HEREor through Todd Rayner by finding him at a con or on Facebook.

Another solid creator owned comic submitted to us, is The Space Heists Of Vyvy & Qwerty. This fun read is written and created by Niall Presnall, with art from Carlos Trigo and Osmarco Viladao.

This one was a fun read about Vyvy, a sarcastic, bombshell of a smuggler alongside her partner in crime, Qwerty, who we join mid mission. The mission: to find Qwerty the cyborg's creator. The plan goes weary, setting a wild chase in motion, and hopefully more books in the series.

The thing that stands out and intrigues me about this comic is the homages to many of our favorite stories and franchises from Robin Hood to Firefly to Star Wars and more...especially Star Wars as Vyvy and Qwerty feel like a tribute to Han Solo and Chewbacca specifically.

I love the well written, sarcastic, innuendo laced dialogue, which gives us a sense who these characters are, without having to push much backstory. That paired with the bold, anime inspired artworkb really make The Space Heists Of Vyvy And Qwerty work. I think Preanall, Trigo, and Viladao have a solid series budding here. Go grab a copy of The Space Heists Of Vyvy & Qwerty on Comixology and check out their Kickstarter to get book #2 published: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1090882041/the-space-heists-of-vyvy-and-qwerty-2

I also mentioned a film project in the "crowd funding" stage of production...

Check out the GoFundMe for the film 'Preacher Six'. This film is an action-thriller produced by and starring Kyle Hester. Kyle is known for starring in Alterna Comics' 'The Chair', and the currently filming 'Zombie With A Shotgun'.

'Preacher Six', according to IMDb, "is a film about a small town preacher, who is brought to the city to fight evil "in a literal sense". This one is slated to have an awesome cast including Carmen Argenziano (Godfather 2), Bill Oberst (Criminal Minds), Naomi Grossman (American horror Story), Zach Galligan (Gremlins) and Hester. Check out the trailer and decide for yourself. Personally, I want to see this one made, so lets push the GoFundMe campaign! Have a look and consider supporting it here: www.gofundme.com/preacher-six-los-angeles-shoot, and check out this trailer:

Stay tuned here at www.thestevestrout.com for more "Cool Projects", and if you want to contribute to the site (covering conventions, doing reviews, or anything relevant to the nerdy/pop culture theme), or maybe know of a project we should mention, get in touch!

Steve Strout is the media mastermind (haha) behind this site, host of the Comic Book Swap Meet, nerd, terrible artist, gamer, convention goer and comic book reader who spends more time rescuing toys from thrift shops than a normal adult should. He is also known around the northwest for his promotion of live music and stand-up comedy events and is the creator/producer of the Comic Book Swap Meet mini convention, and Olympic Peninsula Comedy Competition (which will make it's big return soon!). Follow him on Instagram at http://instagram.com/thestevestrout, and He can be reached for comments at ptcomedy@yahoo.com on twitter at @thestevestrout

Thursday, November 16, 2017

I've mentioned multiple times how I'm pro wrestling fan, and that I want to share some wrestling stuff here, so this edition of 'Cool Projects' is all about a couple awesome wrestling themed comic books from Boom Studios.

Boom started a WWE comic series featuring a series of stories covering debuts and other milestones in WWE superstar's careers. For example, early issues featured Seth Rollins' big heel turn and betrayal of the Shield faction under the tutelage of HHH and the Authority.

The series has been ongoing, with special issues including the 2018 Royal Rumble Special, and features the art and writing of such talented creators as Dennis Hopeless (Spider-Man), Dan Mora (Klaus), Ross Thibodeaux (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Rob Guillory (Chew), Ryan Ferrier (Kong On The Planet Of The Apes), Kevin Panetta (Regular Show), Kendall Goode (The Doorman), and Daniel Bayliss (WWE: Then. Now. Forever.) alongside contributions from the wrestlers themselves.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

In this edition of "Cool Projects', were bringing you a couple creator owned comics, a awesome goth and horror themed artist's shop and more...Enjoy, support these projects, and share!

Robert Tritthardt(Writhe and Shine)

Robert Tritthardt has been known on the scene for years with his comic series 'Writhe and Shine'...Recently he launched an etsy page to sell his gothic and horror themed art. This stuff is stunning work featuring but not limited to themes such as monsters, steampunk, goth and fantasy. Check out his page at www.etsy.com/shop/WritheAndShine. You can also find more art, including original art from his comic, 'Writhe and Shine' at writheandshine.storenvy.com!

Monday, November 6, 2017

This recap of the 2017 Jet City Comic Show will be short and sweet. Let me tell you why...

As I've mentioned in recent posts, I had some health issues. Unfortunately those issues kept me away from my beloved convention scene. Being away also deprived me from seeing so many friends and acquaintances that I always crossed paths with at these fandom conventions, so I kind of got sidetracked a bit too much visiting all of my people at this show, also depriving myself from taking a ton of pictures like I normally would have. With that being said, it was fantastic getting back into the swing of things, and you can expect so much more in the coming months (as life permits). I also only attended one day, for the aforementioned reasons.

The Jet City Comic Show usually marks the end of the convention season in the Northwest, and as with each year, it culminates with one of the friendliest and exciting shows around. This year expanded the floor a bit adding some awesome replica automobiles from our favorite shows and more great panels than ever.

Friday, October 27, 2017

A lot of our younger generation didn't have the opportunity to enjoy the late night monster and sci-fi movies hosted by characters like Vampira, Zacherley, Elvira and the Ghoul. The retro horror host became to be almost a lost art, except for character like the prior mentioned Elvira, and legends such as Svengoolie keeping it alive... until recently.

There's been a resurgence in the horror host genre, with the power of the making it easier to be seen around the world. One of the newest stars of the scene is Detroit horror hostess, Ghouleena. Her debut on The Monster Channel broke records for the ever growing online network, and has been wowing audiences on the horror convention circuit with her spooky charm and vampy beauty, reminiscent of horror queens Vampira, Elvira, and even Morticia Addams! Ghouleena took the time out of her crazy schedule to chat with us, so as always, enjoy and share away...And support your local horror hosts!!!

TheSteveStrout- Where and when can the audience catch your show?

Ghouleena- You can catch the first air date of my show on eerielatenight.com, and shortly after they will go up on my youtube channel & website for free veiwing! I always post about it on all my social media - so as soon as I know my next air date, you can find it there!

Since this should be the last 'Cool Projects' post before Halloween, I thought it fitting to keep things spooky to help get in the spirit by bringing you the 9th installment of 'Cool Projects'. Spread the word, and support these 'Cool Projects', as well as www.thestevestrout.com!

Blood and Gourd-Jenz Lund and D.H. Shultis

'Blood and Gourd' is an indie comic series from creators Jenz Lund and D.H. Shultis about a struggling farm thats taken over by killer pumpkins. This comic series combines brilliant, classic comic book style with some serious gore, making it perfect for any fan of 80s campy horror movies! If this series were to be made into a live action film, I think Tromo would be the perfect distribution studio.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Take a look at these great projects that we think you'd be in to. Let us know about any great projects you think we should mention here in future "Cool Projects" posts, be it books, comics, movies, games, or anything that might appeal to our audience!!

Mech Cadet Yu- Boom Studios

Boom Studios presents 'Mech Cadet Yu' Vol. 1 Discover Now Edition, to be released in early 2018, alongside monthly issue #5. Vol. 1 collects the first 4 issues of the acclaimed story of Stanford Yu, who is recruited into the Mech Cadets. Once a year the The cadets are joined by giant robots to defend the planet from evil aliens called the Sharg. At the time of posting, I've yet to dig in to this series, but between the writing team and Miyazawa's art, very reminiscent of an anime style, I'm intrigued by this story of this boy and his robot buddy.

This special edition, written by an amazing writing team of Grek Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa will only be available in comic shops, with a regular TPB edition being released later in the spring. The series has been so well recieved by readers, that "Given the tremendous response to 'Mech Cadet Yu' from retailers, fans and press, we’ve decided to release a collection of the series much earlier than usual,” said Filip Sablik, President of Publishing and Marketing, BOOM! Studios. Be sure to keep an eye out for this book and series, and stay tuned to Boom Studios at www.boom-studios.com for the latest info on 'Mech Cadet Yu' and the other great titles they have to offer.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Are you into space exploration? Are your children into space exploration? If so, I have someone you should meet...

By chance, I connected via social media with aerospace engineer, Andrew Rader, who also happens to be an author. An author of childrens books. Not just your run of the mill kids books, but educational kids books. Mr. Rader uses his knowledge of space and science and brings us smart, yet entertaining books about exploration, suitable for the whole family. The first being 'Epic Space Adventure: Mars Rover Rescue'.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Since its Halloween season, I find it only fitting to share some horror related stuff in the 'Cool Stuff' posts.

Never Hike Alone: Friday the 13th Fanfilm- Womp Stomp Films

First and foremost is a great fanfilm paying tribute to one of the great iconic film series, in the history of the genre, Friday The 13th. The series featuring the hockey mask wearing Jason Vorhees, is quite possibly the most recognizable villain of all slasher films.

Monday, October 9, 2017

Hey everyone, I feel I owe an explanation for my lack of posts here since Crypticon. Unfortunately, I've had a series of health issues stemming from a heart failure event a few years back. My life has been consumed by doctor visits, and even a recent stay in the hospital. Things are looking a lot better, so no need to worry. Sadly, the issues prevented me from posting anything here at thestevestrout.com. This in turn has also prevented me to attend and cover any conventions due to financial issues rooting from the health issues and a lighter work load. That's basically the gist of things. If you miss seeing me around at shows, feel free to help us attend by contributing via the donation button on this site, and tell your local conventions that you want us there covering their show!

But anyways...lets get back into the swing of things and introduce ya to a few cool projects!

MORBID HEARTS- Susanne Lambdin

When I attended Crypticon last May, a few great creators submitted some stuff to possibly be given a shout out here at thestevestrout.com. Morbid Hearts, by Susanne Lambdin, is one such project. I wouldn't really call it a project though, as Susan is an acclaimed author. She even penned an episode of Star Trek TNG.

Friday, August 18, 2017

These photos are coming at you almost four months after the fact, but unfortunately I've been dealing with some personal, which I hope are about sorted so we can get things back on track here at ww.thestevestrout.com. Sorry. I've missed you, my friends!!

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

It's almost Crypticon time, so here comes another batch of a few friends of this site who'll be on hand at Crypticon. Some are vendors, some artists, and a guest or two that have interacted here with us at thestevestrout.com...Check out Crypticon Preview #2! Hope to see you at Crypticon!

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

SakuraCon formerly known as BakaCon took place last weekend (April 14th-16) over Easter. SakuraCon celebrated its 20th anniversary this year as two cosplayers, Haylee Troncone Cosplay and A-Baby Cosplay, celebrated their 10th year attending. SakuraCon is the largest Anime convention in the North West showcasing Japanese culture, manga, animation, fashion, music and most importantly, food.

Crypticon is right around the corner, May 5-7 to be precise, so as a mini preview, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce you all to a few friends of this site who'll be on hand at Crypticon. Some are vendors, some artists, and a guest or two that have interacted here with us at thestevestrout.com...Hope to see you at Crypticon!